Char″ac‐ter‐ize (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p.Characterized (?); p. pr. & vb. n.Characterizing.] [LL. characterizare, Gr. �: cf. F. charactériser.] 1. To make distinct and recognizable by peculiar marks or traits; to make with distinctive features.
European, Asiatic, Chinese, African, and Grecian faces are Characterized.
Arbuthnot.
2. To engrave or imprint. Sir M. Hale.
3. To indicate the character of; to describe.
Under the name of Tamerlane he intended to characterize King William.
Johnson.
4. To be a characteristic of; to make, or express the character of.
The softness and effeminacy which characterize the men of rank in most countries.
W. Irving.
Syn. — To describe; distinguish; mark; designate; style; particularize; entitle.